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Martin McGuinness voices fresh Tony Taylor detention concerns

Deputy First Minister has raised the case of Derry republican Tony Taylor with Secretary of State James Brokenshire
Deputy First Minister has raised the case of Derry republican Tony Taylor with Secretary of State James Brokenshire Deputy First Minister has raised the case of Derry republican Tony Taylor with Secretary of State James Brokenshire

DEPUTY First Minister Martin McGuinness has voiced fresh concerns about the jailing of Derry republican Tony Taylor.

Taylor was returned to jail in March after his early release licence was revoked by then secretary of state Theresa Villiers.

A former republican prisoner, Taylor was sentenced to 18 years in jail in 1994 for IRA activity and for three years in 2011 for possession of a rifle.

He is currently being held at Maghaberry prison in Co Antrim.

Mr McGuinness was speaking after meeting with Taylor’s wife Lorraine at the weekend.

The Stormont Sinn Féin chief also confirmed that he has already raised the issue with Ms Villiers successor, James Brokenshire.

“I will continue to do so because his arrest and imprisonment without recourse to due process is totally unacceptable and he should either be released immediately or brought before a court and given due process," he said.

A rally in support of Mr Taylor will be held at Guildhall Square, Derry at 3pm on Saturday.